Significado
To create an awkward, uncomfortable, or tense atmosphere.
Contexto cultural
In France, the 'art of conversation' is highly valued. Interrupting the flow with a 'froid' is often seen as a lack of social intelligence (intelligence sociale). Quebecers use this phrase similarly, but they might also use 'casser le party' (to break the party) for a similar effect. In Belgium, social directness is sometimes higher than in France, but 'jeter un froid' remains the standard term for a social blunder. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, where communal harmony is key, 'jeter un froid' is a serious social faux pas that might require a quick joke to 'warm' the room back up.
Use 'Ça'
If you don't want to blame a specific person, say 'Ça a jeté un froid' (That cast a chill). It's more polite.
Spelling of Jeter
Remember: Je jette (2 t's) but Nous jetons (1 t). In the past tense, it's always 'jeté'.
Significado
To create an awkward, uncomfortable, or tense atmosphere.
Use 'Ça'
If you don't want to blame a specific person, say 'Ça a jeté un froid' (That cast a chill). It's more polite.
Spelling of Jeter
Remember: Je jette (2 t's) but Nous jetons (1 t). In the past tense, it's always 'jeté'.
Intensify it
Add 'un sacré' (a heck of a) to sound more native: 'Ça a jeté un sacré froid !'
The Antidote
If you jeté un froid, immediately follow up with a 'boutade' (a light joke) to warm things up.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'jeter'.
Sa remarque sur le patron a ______ un froid dans le bureau.
We use the 'passé composé' here (a + jeté) to describe a completed action in the past.
Which situation best describes 'jeter un froid'?
Situation :
'Jeter un froid' is about creating an awkward or tense silence.
What would a French person say in this situation?
Marc : 'Je pense que ton nouveau livre est vraiment nul.' Le groupe : (Silence gêné) Sophie : 'Bravo Marc, tu viens de ______.'
Sophie is pointing out that Marc's rude comment ruined the mood.
Match the phrase to the intensity.
Match 'Jeter un froid polaire' with its meaning.
'Polaire' (polar) adds intensity to the 'froid'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Cold vs. Warm Atmosphere
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosSa remarque sur le patron a ______ un froid dans le bureau.
We use the 'passé composé' here (a + jeté) to describe a completed action in the past.
Situation :
'Jeter un froid' is about creating an awkward or tense silence.
Marc : 'Je pense que ton nouveau livre est vraiment nul.' Le groupe : (Silence gêné) Sophie : 'Bravo Marc, tu viens de ______.'
Sophie is pointing out that Marc's rude comment ruined the mood.
Match 'Jeter un froid polaire' with its meaning.
'Polaire' (polar) adds intensity to the 'froid'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, the phrase itself isn't rude, but the action it describes usually is! You can use it to describe a situation without being offensive.
Not really. Use it for the *reaction* of the audience. 'Le film était si mauvais que ça a jeté un froid dans la salle.'
'Jeter un froid' is more about the atmosphere, while 'mettre un malaise' is more about the psychological feeling of the people.
No, it's always 'un froid'.
Yes, very often during meetings or negotiations when someone makes a mistake.
No, an event can do it too: 'La pluie a jeté un froid sur la fête en plein air.'
Yes, 'C'est la clim' (It's the AC) is very popular with Gen Z in France.
Je jetterai, tu jetteras... (double 't' for all future forms).
Yes, but it's more common when there is a group or an 'audience'.
Yes, you will find it in many modern French novels to describe social tension.
Réchauffer l'ambiance (to warm up the mood) or Briser la glace (to break the ice).
No, that doesn't exist! Language isn't always symmetrical.
Frases relacionadas
Briser la glace
contrastTo break the ice
Mettre un malaise
synonymTo create a malaise
Casser l'ambiance
similarTo kill the mood
Faire un bide
specialized formTo flop (like a joke)
Refroidir les ardeurs
builds onTo dampen someone's enthusiasm
